Let’s be honest, the world is in a state of change and transformation, and the way we produce and use energy is certainly shifting to more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. To follow suit, many large companies and brands have jumped on the sustainability train, driven by a desire to remain in business and loyal to customers and stakeholders alike. One such company is Solar City, an industry leader in the field of renewable energy.
While the advantages of investing in solar energy are numerous, the disadvantages can be equally as powerful. To help guide your future decision regarding solar power, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy – both positive and negative – as thoroughly as we can.
Positive Aspects
When it comes to considering the advantages of solar energy, it’s important to first consider how effective and how efficient the solar panels themselves are. Today, let’s take a quick look at the positive aspects of solar panels.
First off, solar panels are extremely effective and efficient at converting light into electricity. In broad daylight, a solar panel can convert upwards of 20% of visible light into electricity. So if you’re looking to generate your own electricity, you’re going to need a lot less energy than you’d think. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a single kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated by solar panels costs on average only 6 cents.
Further, solar panels don’t require much in the way of upkeep. The panels themselves are quite simple and straightforward to maintain and operate, and most homeowners with even the most basic understanding of electricity and electronics can easily handle any repair or replacement requirement themselves. In general, solar panels require very little ongoing care and maintenance.
Disadvantages
While solar panels have numerous advantages, they also have some significant drawbacks. To begin with, solar panels aren’t practical for every home or business, as they require a lot of space. If you’re looking to generate your own electricity and don’t have a lot of room, then consider alternative forms of energy. Further, if you live in a region where extreme weather conditions are commonplace, such as Florida, then solar panels aren’t the best choice, as they tend to get damaged by heavy rains and hurricanes greatly reducing their effectiveness.
Last but not least, solar panels are very expensive. Depending on the size of your installation, this can easily range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. To put it in perspective, a brand new, fully functional residential solar panel system will set you back at least $15,000, and this doesn’t account for the installation cost.
Considering all of these factors, it’s easy to see why many businesses and homeowners choose not to go solar. Hopefully, this article will help provide you with enough information and evidence to make the right decision for your unique situation.